Frank FournierUnderstanding that wealth was an idol to the rich young ruler, Jesus advised, “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor. Come and follow me” (see Matt. 19:21). Sadly, the young man walked away, greatly impoverished.

Then, seeing an opportunity, he continued, “What then will there be for us?”

Much like the young ruler, Peter failed to grasp what it meant to be a follower of Christ. Obviously gain was important to both him and the young ruler. Self-sacrificing love hadn’t taken hold of either of their hearts. Likewise, many of us today take a wrong view of what it means to follow Christ, even those of us who are members of organizations such as ASI.

If we are true to our mission to share Christ with a world that hungers for the truth of His goodness, we do not ask how we can benefit. We claim no interest in personal wealth, power, position, recognition, or title as followers of One who desired nothing this world can give. Our affections are elsewhere.

Collectively, ASI members spend and allow themselves to be spent in order to accomplish things that they could never accomplish alone. They pool their resources to build churches, fund projects, and spread the word about Christ’s love for humanity through books, television programs, and Internet resources.

ASI is a means to an end. It provides opportunities for individuals to sacrifice for others as Christ sacrificed for them. It creates platforms where people can work together and build friendships that will last for eternity.

You may ask, “Can’t I do all that without joining ASI?”

The answer is yes—but will you?

__________Frank Fournier writes this issue's guest editorial. This article was published August 8, 2013.